5 keys for Cougs vs. Hurricanes

Matt Moore

12/23/2015

WASHINGTON STATE is looking for its ninth win against Miami after being chosen to finish next to last in the Pac-12 media poll. Here's how the Cougs win the Sun Bowl.

WHEN WSU HAS THE BALL1. Run around the big front seven.Miami has the nation's 106th ranked rushing defense, but their front seven is enormous. Teams get ground yards and wear them down by going around them.

2. No turnovers.WSU can't seem to win a game when they lose the turnover battle. Miami hasn't faced a lot of pass oriented offenses this year, but their secondary does have some ball hawks.

WHEN WSU IS ON DEFENSE3. Don't let Miami move the chains on first- and second-down.Miami has the 116th ranked rushing offense. They rely on quick throws to move the ball and have been terrible on third down.

4. Stand strong in the red zone.Miami has struggled to punch it into the end zone inside the 20-yard line, so the Cougs should not despair even if the Hurricanes start to move the ball.

5. Don't give up momentum on special teams.Miami isn't what it once was, but they still have a fine collection of speed and athletes. The Cougs cannot give up big plays on special teams.